Recently celebrating Motion’s first birthday, we speak to founder Dani, who tells us about her studio in the heart of Malabar.
Inspired by her time Hawaii, she wanted to create and cultivate a community space which is the embodiment of Aloha spirit.
The values and emphasis on the power of Hawaii has helped her carve out an atmosphere which allows clients to take charge of their health and happiness in a safe environment.
“The island vibe resonates strength, love, beauty, simplicity and peace, and this is what I wanted to recreate within my studio. The Aloha spirit is the coordination of mind and heart within a person, even the lei itself is a symbol of love and friendship and all of this flows into our everyday Motion’s philosophy.”
Learn more about her studio & inspiration below –
Tell us about your studio when did it open?
Motion Pilates is a boutique studio located in the heart of Malabar. We teach all fitness levels from beginner – advanced with a mix of Wunda Chair classes and Mat Pilates with small equipment. We pride ourselves on having a warm, safe and supportive space in which to learn, while having fun! We are a small studio space, and we specialise in high-quality Pilates so we can give our clients all the attention they deserve in a class.
We opened our doors on October 11 last year, right out of lock down. It was such a special and exciting time to bring Pilates to Malabar and also provide a space for people to move freely, quieten their mind and strengthen their body.
How did the idea come about?
I had been teaching at various studios in Sydney over the years and once the first lockdown hit, as an instructor, I found I was on my own. This encouraged me to start an online platform, and begin running my own home studiospace, offering private classes and 3:1 classes After a successful few month’s teaching from my home studio, I wanted to reach out to more people and teach in a group class environment.
What was the idea behind the studio? Where did you get your inspiration?
I love the ocean, and Motion was inspired by the motion of waves, the motion of the body and the motion of the mind. To me they are all linked and work together in harmony. What I wanted to create was a space where you can take a moment out of your busy live and just focus on moving and feeling more connected in their body.
What is your signature style??
My style is Pilates fusion, a bit of a mix between fun and functional! Functional movement being leg alignment, postural, core strengthen, with some dynamic fun exercises to get the heart rate up and the blood flowing. I teach my clients functional movement which will stay with them long after the session ends and that they can take into their everyday life.
Why is it different?
There are so many different styles of Pilates out there. I was trained in quite a traditional style, which will always be the foundation of my teaching, however, I love to mix up the exercise and keep it fun and engaging, while working all the different muscles groups and making our clients smile and feel the burn. Ultimately, it is about leaving them with a feeling of confidence within their own minds and bodies.
What is your favourite feedback you’ve received?
• I will always remember when I first met you, I had never been to a Pilates class before and you made me feel so welcomed and “normal”. Thank you for making me love Pilates and making me stronger.
• Dani, I have always disliked gyms or indoor exercise. Motion Pilates is the only thing I have EVER stuck at.
• Yourself and the beautiful community you have created has helped me find an inner peace and strength that I did not think I was capable of.
• The way Pilates connects your mind, body and soul has been life changing for me and I really just wanted to say THANK YOU!
Why do you do what you do / teach?
I have always been an active person and movement has played a huge role in my life growing up. Pilates has an amazing ability to transform someone’s body, not just physically, but developing a deeper level of self-awareness, creating a more positive you. As an instructor, I love engaging with clients and finding their true strength. I love seeing a change that takes place in their bodies and mindset.
Who are some of your favourite instructors right now?
All of the Motion Pilates ladies! I also love classes by Courtney Miller, she always inspires me with Mat and Wunda chair exercises!
When you work out yourself what do you do? How often do you do it ?
I definitely used to work out a lot more than what I currently do, but with having a 5 month old and running a studio my time is a bit more limited. My favourite time to exercise is in the morning (around 5.30am) before my daughter wakes up. I try to get in about 20- 30min of Pilates to start my day. I try to do this most mornings and if I don’t have 20-30min, even a 5-10 min stretch makes the biggest difference in my day. I love to walk down to the beach and also love to swim in the ocean and in the local pool close by. Especially as summer approaches, I’ll be getting into ocean swims a lot more!
What are your personal interests beyond Pilates?
Walks to down to the beach with my husband, our beautiful 5 month old daughter and puppy Milo. I love being at the beach, it is a time to de-stress, collect my thoughts. It’s my happy place. If things aren’t going to plan or I purely need a change of scene, the beach is a place where I can go, breathe out and calm my mind. My beach time consists mostly of walks along the sand, soaking in the sea’s different moods with a coffee in hand, dog leash in the other and my daughter in the front pack!
What do you look for in studio wear?
Comfort! Wearing active wear all day every day, comfort is so key. I always feel super cute (and comfortable) in The Upside outfits! I am currently living in the Peached set, it has such a soft, light weight and stretchy feel, it’s the most perfect outfit I can teach in all day!
When you work out yourself what do you do? How often do you do it ?
I definitely used to work out a lot more than what I currently do, but with having a 5 month old and running a studio my time is a bit more limited. My favourite time to exercise is in the morning (around 5.30am) before my daughter wakes up. I try to get in about 20- 30min of Pilates to start my day. I try to do this most mornings and if I don’t have 20-30min, even a 5-10 min stretch makes the biggest difference in my day. I love to walk down to the beach and also love to swim in the ocean and in the local pool close by. Especially as summer approaches, I’ll be getting into ocean swims a lot more!
Tell us about your time in Hawaii , how has this influenced your career choice and your business ?
I attended the University of Hawaii (UH) for 4 years where I studied Communications and played for the UH Water polo team over that time. It was the most special experience for me. It wasn’t easy balancing my training with study, but appreciated every moment of down time and would often drive to either north shore or east side of the island for some beach therapy.
The island vibe resonates strength, love, beauty, simplicity and peace, and this is what I wanted to recreate within my studio. The Aloha spirit is the coordination of mind and heart within a person, even the lei itself is a symbol of love and friendship and all of this flows into our everyday Motions philosophy.
What do you love about Hawaii?
Everything! The golden sand and rolling surf on North Shore beaches, the sunrises on the east side, the sunsets on the west side, deep diving in waves, the açai bowls and fresh poke and of course the people on the island! Hawaii is so magical and so special in my heart. Everyone is so kind and warm and spreading all Aloha vibes.
What do you think people can take away from Hawaii when it comes to health/wellbeing practices?
When I first moved to Hawaii, I was training for water polo 22+ hrs each week in the pool and gym, I was in exercise overload and didn’t have the most positive sense of health and wellbeing. It wasn’t until my final year there when I had stopped playing and had time for me and connect into my body, especially after hip surgery during my time there. I started taking yoga classes from one of my close friends who was going through their training and found much more positive and happier version of exercising that wasn’t so strenuous on my body. Hawaii is all about Aloha, giving kindness, having compassion and respect. Hawaii embraces health and wellbeing practices with the Aloha spirit of finding joy and gratitude both on and off the mat.
Anything else you want to add?
Value yourself, your energy, and your body. Surround yourself with positive, happy, bubbly people and spread those positive, happy, Aloha vibes!!
